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Movies | Written by John Knott 06/11/2013

Movie News: STAR WARS Casting Blow for Bristolians

This writer is horrified to discover that his chances of appearing in the new Star Wars flick have become even more remote than originally thought. Being an overweight middle-aged man, the chances of securing a role as “a ‘smart capable’ man in his late teens/early 20s” or even “a ‘street smart and strong’ orphaned girl in her late teens” already looked slim. However, fellow Bristolian and Darth Vader himself, Dave Prowse, has indicated that the dulcet tones of a Bristolian accent may not be what they’re looking for despite the open casting sessions beginning in Bristol on 9th November.

“You can't go 'oo-aar my dear here's my lightsaber,” he said.

Well it didn’t do him too much harm, did it? We realise that James Earl Jones doesn’t come cheap but if you look right, surely you’re in? Furthermore, times have changed. We seem to remember that the denizens of that far, far away galaxy sported a variety of accents back in the day. Grand Moff Tarkin and General Taggi may have had the distinct tang of the South East about them but who’s to say that the odd Jawa didn’t support the Gas. We’re just saying. Star Wars should be a celebration of diversity and that includes Bristolians like Dave Prowse.

On the other hand, they were pretty clear they didn’t want him speaking the last time so perhaps there is something distinctly non-exotic about planets called Annum, Bedmie Down and Bar Nil...